Mooncakes are the most commonly known traditional Chinese food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar, and this year it was on Sept 21. What else do Guangzhou residents eat for this festival?

Mooncakes are the most commonly known traditional Chinese food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The Chinese word for grapefruit, "You", has the same pronunciation as that of the Chinese word for blessing, "You", so the fruit is always eaten by Guangzhou natives during the festival with hopes that the moon will bless and protect the family.

The custom of eating taro during the Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history in Guangzhou. Taro has the same pronunciation as "protecting the head" in Cantonese, so when the family eats taro together it means that the whole family will be reunited and safe.

Guangzhou natives also like to eat river snails while chatting with their family and enjoying the beauty of the full round moon. They consider this dish to have a good meaning of making their eyes as bright as the autumn moon.

Children are required to eat water caltrop nuts during the festival to bring them cleverness and sensibility.

Guangzhou natives continue to keep their long tradition of eating carambola during the festival because it has a star-like cross-section, which makes it an ideal snack for moongazing.